Coimbra: the University city
You can enjoy delicious pastries at Café Montanha in Coimbra, which you'll come across as soon as you enter the old town. For a good meal, you can try Restaurant Sete (Av. João das Regras 30) or Zé Manel dos Ossos (Beco do Forno 10).
City highlights include Biblioteca Joanina, Torre da Universidade, Sé Valha, Jardim Botânico, Fado music, and the festivals Queima das Fitas and Festa das Latas.
Coimbra is a university city that consists of two parts: Alta and Baixa. The historic Alta is the old part of the city, with narrow cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and charming squares. In Baixa, you’ll find more modern shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
Old city centre
In the old city, in addition to the world-famous “Biblioteca Joanina,” an 18th-century library that is definitely worth visiting, you will also find “Sé Valha,” the Old Cathedral of Coimbra. The cathedral is an impressive example of Romanesque architecture and an important religious building.
Near “Sé Valha” is the “Santa Cruz Monastery.” This monastery is famous as the final resting place of Dom Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. It has a beautiful Gothic façade and an interesting interior.
Views from the Torre da Universidade
From the “Torre da Universidade,” you have the best view of the Mondego River, the city, and the surroundings. From here, you can also see the “Jardim Botânico,” the Botanical Garden of Coimbra. This garden is an oasis of peace and greenery, offering a diverse collection of plants and trees and is perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Portugal is known for Fado music, a melancholic music style deeply rooted in Portuguese culture. Fado has two main styles: Lisbon and Coimbra. In Coimbra, there are numerous places to enjoy live performances.
Festivals en evenementen
Throughout the year, the city hosts various festivals and events, such as “Queima das Fitas,” a traditional student festival, and “Festa das Latas,” the celebration at the beginning of the academic year.
Coimbra is a city full of charm and history, making it the perfect destination for travelers seeking a combination of culture, heritage, and relaxation.
Conimbriga: a archeological wonder
Just south of Coimbra, you will find Conimbriga, an archaeological site known as the best-preserved Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula. The site was originally founded by the Celts and later taken over by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. It grew into a prosperous city and was an important hub for trade and culture.
The most famous attractions in Conimbriga are the mosaics. The geometric patterns and detailed images have been impressively preserved. Additionally, well-preserved remains such as houses, thermal baths, temples, and city walls can be found here. The site has a visitor center and museum displaying objects found during excavations.
Please note: Conimbriga is open year-round, but it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes. The terrain is hilly and uneven.